GIVĒON: Give or Take... GIVĒON takes us to new heights (Album Review)

GIVĒON released his full-length debut album Give or Take on Black Butter/Not So Fast/Epic Records earlier today, while the title asks give or take, what really should be asked is: where is GIVĒON taking us this time?

Following the release of ‘Lie Again’ earlier this year, GIVĒON’s Give or Take has been long anticipated by his cult fanbase. Known for his introspective and empathetic lyrics, the new album takes listeners on a passionate and painful journey through emotional states, while GIVĒON catharticially refelcts through the medium of music.

After watching the ‘Lie Again’ music video it’s easy to understand fan's affinity - the ballad has amassed over 12.2 million Spotify streams and 5.3 million YouTube views since its premiere at the end of April. GIVĒON contemplates poetically on the complex intimacy of a relationship as the vocalist asks his partner to lie to him about past indiscretions; a theme that so many can find solace in.

The cinematic trailer for the new album (that was released on June 2nd) promised the same nostalgia and comfort as ‘Lie Again'’ and other tracks on the new release, as the Californian musician sits in a condo talking with his mum as scenes cut to the Los Angeles cityscape below him. The footage of memories, fans, and performances, intercut by pensive moments captures both the tension and emotion that Give or Take translates.

The album includes 15 tracks including ‘For Tonight’', another track on the new album, was released last September and is now RIAA certified gold. All 15 tracks demonstrate GIVĒON’s buttery vocals set to mellow and celestial R&B beats that transcends listeners into alternate realms as his vocals demand a visecral reception - reminding us why GIVĒON deserves all the clamour he has gained.

In 2020, after featuring on Drake’s ‘Chicago Freestyle’, the spotlights began shining on GIVĒON as an artist in his own right. The collaboration earned GIVĒON recognition however the young musician had been releasing singles since 2018, winning the hearts of listeners through laidback beats and his soulful yet powerful voice. However, 2020 was a notable year for GIVĒON as he released the Platinum-certified ‘Like I Want You’ and ‘Heartbreak Anniversary’ which peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and rewarded him with 2X Platinum status.

2021 saw GIVĒON nominated for Best R&B Album at the Grammys for his debut EP ‘Take Time’. His music continued to climb charts and prove evocative through raw and honest lyrics, drawing further attention to GIVĒON. He went on to win BET’S Best New Artist 2021 and continued to feature on other artists' tracks such as Justin Bieber’s ‘Peaches’ - that hit helped him win the award for Best Pop Song at the 2021 MTV VMA‘s where he was nominated for seven awards including Best New Artist, Best R&B and Best Pop Song. Drake too invited GIVĒON back on Certified Lover Boys' ‘In the Bible’.

GIVĒON will also be touring Europe this summer and visiting Wireless Festival in London. For the chance to win tickets to Wireless and to see GIVĒON check out New Wave’s giveaway with Nando’s UK live on our Instagram now: